Medical fields are rigorous, and take much training and education; naturopathic physicians require the same rigorous training as any other medical degree. As a teenager, it is difficult to participate in the medical field past basic observing, since it is so complex and requires so much training. However, that doesn't mean there's nothing to be done. A major part of high school is preparing and planning for the future, and a med degree requires thought and foresight.

Steps

Part 1

Deciding to become a naturopathic doctor

1

Make sure you are interested in this major. It's hard to make the tough life decisions in high school, but going into this field is something that will require eight years of intensive schooling. If you couldn't handle high school classes, college classes will be difficult.

2

Gain at least a general understanding of the major. That doesn't necessarily mean study the science of it right now. Make sure you know what, if you go into this field, you will be doing on a day-to-day basis. Learn how a naturopathic doctor is a unique type of physician and what that will entail.

3

Consider college choices. It might seem glamorous to go to an Ivy League school, but with an eight year degree, money can be more important than reputation. That being said, if you want to go to a private school, it is important to plan ahead about how to get in.

Part 2

Studying the right subjects

1

Pass your standardized tests. The ACT and SAT might not be accurate representations of your intelligence, but they're what get you into college - and cheaply. Studying for the ACT in high school would be much more worth your time than studying the field you want to go into, no matter how ridiculous that is.

2

Take science classes. You don't want to go into college and be that kid who can't pass freshman chemistry. If you take AP Chem and Bio, it will be miserable - possibly torture - but it will be worth it in the long run.

Part 3

Learning beyond school classes

1

Participate. If your school or community has STEM-centered clubs or activities, those are a great way to both boost your understanding of your future and look good on paper. Naturopathic doctors vary off the beaten path of physicians, but nature and science centered activities both help for it.

2

Try to observe someone in the field. This is important both for paper, again, and so you know what you're getting into. If you wander into a doctor's office right now and say, "What? This is miserable," that's a lot better for your future than if you do so in five or so years.

3

Don't be stressed! High school is important, but you can bomb it and still make it into college with a couple of speed bumps. Right now, mental health is more important than prepping for a major. You have time.

Community Q&A

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Tips

Often, relatives and family friends may either be familiar with your field or know someone who can talk to you. Real people are the best resources.

Learning the science of your field is important, but it will do little for you right now, since you're more than four years from an actual med degree.

Looking good on paper is frustratingly important, so even if you slack off, try to be a leader in something.

Leave yourself free time! It's better to not have time for something than to wear yourself down into a mental and emotional pit.

Warnings

Plan for your future, but don't set it in stone. Do what you're interested in now - which might be some science, and some other subjects. Don't get so set on one college that it will kill you to be rejected. Allow for the possibility of changing schools or majors, and leave room for it to be less stressful.